Anwarul Islam

Anwarul Islam, a 38-year-old man formerly residing in Springett Avenue, Ringmer, near Lewes in East Sussex, was sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of raping a woman on their first date. The incident occurred in March 2022 at a pub in Elmswell, Suffolk, where Islam followed the victim into the toilet and carried out the assault.

The victim, a woman in her 30s, had been introduced to Islam through a mutual friend. They exchanged voice notes and arranged to meet in person the following day. Despite it being their first meeting, police investigations revealed that Islam had researched hotel rooms on his phone and suggested booking one together, indicating premeditated intentions. Detective Constable Jasmine Mulley of Suffolk Police described the case, stating that Islam refused to accept responsibility for his actions, forcing the victim to relive the traumatic experience during the trial at Ipswich Crown Court.

Islam was convicted of both rape and sexual assault following an earlier hearing. On Friday, at Ipswich Crown Court, Judge Patricia Lees imposed a nine-year custodial sentence for the rape, to be served concurrently with a six-year sentence for sexual assault. In addition to the prison term, Islam was ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely and was subjected to an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim.

The victim's personal impact statement, read out in court, highlighted the profound effect of the attack. She expressed that she had initially trusted Islam, believing him to be 'a nice guy', but the trauma had left her unable to process her emotions, leading to frequent distress. Det Con Mulley praised the victim's bravery in coming forward and testifying, noting, 'The sentence he has received will ensure that he will not be able to harm anyone else.' She also hoped Islam would reflect on his attitude towards women. Suffolk Police, the investigating force, emphasised the importance of the conviction in delivering justice for the victim.

• Offence location: Pub toilet in Elmswell, Suffolk
• Date of offence: March 2022
• Court: Ipswich Crown Court
• Sentencing date: Friday (specific date not provided in reports)